Director of Sponsored Programs

Overview

FUNCTION & SCOPE: 

This is a key leadership role within The Sponsored Programs department, based at the Research Foundation's corporate office in downtown Albany, New York.  The position offers a hybrid work schedule for employees who live in the surrounding area.

The Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) provides operational leadership and oversight for the central office sponsored programs administration unit for The Research Foundation for the State University of New York, encompassing research contracting and post-award administration (including research compliance). Reporting to the Vice President of Sponsored Programs & Regulatory Affairs, who holds overall responsibility for research administration lifecycle strategy and performance, this role is accountable for executing that strategy through effective operations, consistent processes, and high-quality service delivery across centrally supported SUNY State operated campuses. The Director ensures that day-to-day operations are aligned, efficient, and compliant, while working in close partnership with other stakeholders to deliver a coordinated, "faculty-first" support model for SUNY's research community.

DUTIES:

Operational Leadership & Execution:

• Translate institutional strategy into effective operational practices across centrally supported campuses.
• Ensure  consistent, efficient, and compliant execution of sponsored programs processes.
• Align staffing, workflows, and service delivery with institutional priorities and research growth.
• Maintain strong partnership  and coordination with the Senior Operations Manager for SUNY System administration, to support enterprise-wide business processes and performance goals.
  
  

Functional Leadership (Award Establishment, Accounts Receivable, Grant Management):

• Serve as a key resource and escalation point for unit directors and their staff, providing guidance on complex operational, compliance, and policy matters.
• Establish  clear expectations, performance goals, and accountability for each unit leader.
• Ensure leaders effectively manage their respective operations in alignment with standardized processes and service expectations.
• Monitor operational performance across all units, including proposal timelines, contract cycle times, financial oversight effectiveness & accuracy, and compliance outcomes.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight:

• Partner with the Director of Compliance and Governance Counsel, and the General Counsels' office, to ensure that all sponsored programs activities comply with applicable federal, state, and sponsor regulations.
• Oversee implementation of regulatory requirements (e.g., Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200, NSF, NIH, DOE, etc.) through consistent operational practices.
• Provide guidance to unit directors on regulatory interpretation and compliance expectations.
• Ensure strong internal controls, documentation standards, and audit readiness across all functional areas.
• Identify and mitigate compliance risks across the sponsored programs lifecycle.

Faculty-Centered Service Delivery:

• Partner closely with University Center research administration leads to deliver a coordinated, seamless, "faculty-first" experience across the research lifecycle.
• Ensure OSP processes and services are transparent, responsive, and aligned with faculty needs.
• Support development of tools, guidance, and training that improve faculty engagement and administrative efficiency.

Policy & Risk Management:

• Maintain clear, well-documented policies and procedures across all OSP functions.
• Identify and mitigate operational and compliance risks through strong internal controls and process discipline.
• Process & Systems Optimization.
• Responsible for developing and maintaining a strong partnership with RFCO leadership and campus research administration leadership to optimize business process workflows, system use, and service delivery.
• Promote standardization, automation, and data-informed decision-making across system wide OSP units.
• Ensure alignment between research administration systems and institutional financial systems.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong operational leadership and execution skills.
• Ability to drive accountability across multiple functions.
• Deep understanding of sponsored programs lifecycle operations, including contracting and research accounting.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to compliance, service excellence, and continuous improvement.